The Vosges
Are you looking for a vacation destination that combines nature, history and culture? Would you like to explore a department with diverse landscapes, an exceptional heritage and a variety of entertaining activities? The Vosges are your ideal destination! Named after the mountain massif the department invites you to get away from it all.
Get ready to relax, enrich and entertain. Let us guide you!
Nature's must-sees in the Vosges
The Vosges, a true paradise for nature lovers, offers a wealth of landscapes, flora and fauna, promising memorable experiences.
Here are a few natural gems to explore during your visit to the Vosges, department located in the Region Great East.
Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park
Spanning the Vosges, Haut-Rhin, Territoire de Belfort and Haute-Saône, the Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges is a protected haven of peace. It encompasses the massif's highest peaks, known as "ballons", offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valleys. The park is also home to exceptional natural environments such as the hautes-chaumes, peat bogs, ancestral forests and glacial lakes.
A wide variety of flora and fauna awaits you, including capercaillie, lynx, vanilla orchid and gentian. The park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, skiing and fishing.
Mountain lakes: Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer
The Vosges is home to some magnificent lakes The lakes of Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer, located in the picturesque Vallée de Lacs, are among the most famous. The lakes of Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer, located in the picturesque Vallée des Lacs, are among the most famous.
These natural lakes, the result of glacial retreat, are nestled in the heart of forests and mountains, offering an idyllic setting. They are ideal for water sports such as sailing, canoeing and paddling, as well as swimming in their crystal-clear waters. The marked trails around the lakes allow you to explore them on foot or by bike, enjoying breathtaking views.
Unmissable hikes: the route des Crêtes and the sentier des Roches
For hiking enthusiasts, the Vosges offers exceptional hikes with breathtaking panoramas. The Route des Crêtes, a panoramic route linking the massif's major peaks such as Grand Ballon, Hohneck and Markstein, can be covered by car, bike or on foot. It offers magnificent views over the valleys of Alsace and Lorraine, with the possibility of stopping off at farm inns to sample local produce. The sentier des Roches is a spectacular hike through rocky landscapes, waterfalls and forests. Linking the Col de la Schlucht to the Frankenthal, this trail is recommended for experienced hikers due to its steep, vertiginous passages.
Historical and cultural heritage of the Vosges
The Vosges offers much more than just a magnificent natural setting; it is also rich in historical and cultural heritage. The Vosges invites you to explore its exceptional heritage, a reflection of its complex history and unique identity.
Discover some of the Vosges' must-see historical and cultural sites below.
The town of Épinal and its world-famous imagery
Épinal, prefecture of the Vosges and image capital, is famous for its traditional imagery, which has been active since the 18th century. These popular images, intended for education, decoration and entertainment, have made the town famous.
At the Musée de l'imagerie d'Épinal, you can discover the history and techniques of this unique industry, as well as collections of old and new images. Creative workshops also give you the chance to create your own image in the style of Épinal's famous imagiers.
Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle: a journey back to the Middle Ages
The Château de Haut-Kœnigsbourg, an emblematic monument in the Vosges region, sits on a rocky spur overlooking the Alsace plain. Erected in the 12th century, this fortified castle endured sieges, fires and rebuilding, before being magnificently restored in the early 20th century by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
A visit to the castle plunges you into a medieval atmosphere, with a faithful recreation of the atmosphere and furnishings of the period. It also offers breathtaking views of the Vosges mountains and the Black Forest. Various activities, such as falconry shows, theatrical tours and medieval festivals, enrich the experience.
Spa towns: Vittel and Contrexéville, emblems of well-being
The Vosges is also famous for its spa towns, of which Vittel and Contrexéville are the most emblematic, renowned for the medicinal virtues of their mineral waters. These spas offer treatments based on the use of water, mud and steam, contributing to the well-being of visitors.
In addition to the treatments, you can explore the rich architectural and cultural heritage of these towns, which bear witness to their golden age in the 19th century, when they were home to Europe's aristocracy. Villas, casinos, parks and museums tell the story of the unique charm of these wellness destinations.
Family and leisure activities in the Vosges
The Vosges, a perfect destination for families and leisure enthusiasts, offers a multitude of activities suitable for all ages. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or culinary discovery, the Vosges is sure to satisfy.
Discover below a selection of family and leisure activities not to be missed in the Vosges.
Ski resorts: winter fun on the slopes
The Vosges is a true skier's paradise, with slopes for all levels. With several ski resorts offering quality services at competitive prices, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
La Bresse-Hohneck, the largest resort in north-east France, awaits you with 50 km of pistes, 7 km of cross-country skiing and 14 km of snowshoeing. Enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and much more, in breathtaking surroundings. Entertainment, restaurants, ski schools and wellness areas are also at your disposal.
Adventure and amusement parks: Fraispertuis City and Bol d'Air
Amusement park fans will be delighted by Fraispertuis City and Bol d'Air, two exceptional destinations in the Vosges. Fraispertuis City, located in Jeanménil, takes you back to the Wild West with over 35 attractions for all ages. Roller coasters, rides, slides and shows await you, not to mention 4 restaurants serving local and American specialities.
Bol d'Air, in La Bresse, offers a unique experience in the heart of nature, with accrobranche, zip-lining, bungee jumping, paragliding and paintball. For a memorable night, opt for unusual accommodation such as a tree house, transparent bubble or hobbit house.
Discover local gastronomy: Alsace cheese and wine routes nearby
The Vosges is also a top destination for gourmets. The cheese route invites you to visit farms, dairies and cheese dairies to sample specialities such as Munster, Bargkass and Géromé. The Alsace wine route takes you through vineyards and cellars to taste exceptional wines such as riesling, gewurztraminer and crémant.
Don't miss the markets, restaurants and local festivals where you can savor typical dishes such as tarte flambée, sauerkraut or baeckeoffe.
Conclusion
It goes without saying that the Vosges is a destination of choice for everyone. Whether your interests lie in nature, history, culture, leisure or gastronomy, the Vosges will charm you. The Vosges boasts a wealth of varied landscapes, a rich heritage, numerous activities and culinary delights, all of which promise a memorable vacation.
Don't delay, plan your trip to the Vosges now to explore this remarkable region!
FAQ
What is the number of the Vosges department?
The Vosges department is numbered 88 by Insee and La Poste in alphabetical order.
Are the Vosges in Lorraine?
Yes, the Vosges is part of Lorraine. The department, identified by the code 88, is rooted in the historic and cultural region of Lorraine. The latter is a section of the administrative region of Grand Est. The department's name derives from the Vosges massif, which covers a vast area of its territory, marking the natural boundary between Lorraine and Alsace.
Are the Vosges part of Alsace?
No, the Vosges is not part of Alsace. Historically, Alsace corresponds to the departments of Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin. The Vosges massif, on the other hand, crosses six départements: Vosges, Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, Territoire de Belfort, Haute-Saône, and Meurthe-et-Moselle, separating Alsace from Lorraine, with most of its extent in the Vosges department.
Which is the most beautiful village in the Vosges?
The question of the most beautiful village in the Vosges is subjective and can vary according to personal taste. However, there are several picturesque villages in the département that are well worth a visit, captivating visitors with their charm and history.
Find out more about what's happening in the Vosges, go to the official website of the department.
